City's best kept secret offers wide array of wine, beer, specialty items

This fine wine and specialty store features more than 1800 labels of wine, more than 400 brands of beer and numerous specialty cheeses and crackers.

Riverside Wine & Imports Owner Bob Morson and Winemaker Tony Coturri sample some of the latest Coturri Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet/Sangiovese at a recent tasting.

Riverside Wine and Imports in Kent, Ohio owned and operated by Robert Morson, is "Kent's best kept secret!" People know about the store through word of mouth and fine wine tastings.

Robert Morson became interested in opening a specialty and wine store during his time as owner of Morson's Carry Out and Drive-Thru in Ravenna. In 1986 he started a wine room there. In 1996 he purchased this current location, which was formerly Sammy's Food Mart, with the intention of fulfilling his goal.

Riverside is a full Wine and Beer Bar, which means we can now serve wine and beer by the taste, glass or bottle. Remodeling recently finished, adding an extended bar inside, as well as the new deck overlooking the Cuyahoga River. A complete Wine and Beer List and food menu is also available.

Wines in the store range in price from about $5 to $200 per bottle. Most wine and beer are priced at state minimum (the lowest allowed by state law).

Anyone with an interest in wines, imported beers, specialty items such as cheese, crackers, chocolates, cookies and gift baskets must stop in for a visit. Riverside is willing to search and provide labels customers enjoy but may not find on the shelve. Special requests are always welcomed! Riverside offers 10% discount on mixed or match cases (12 bottles).

Riverside Wine and Imports is located at 911 North Mantua Street, Kent, Ohio. Phone 330-677-4400, email: riversidewine@aol.com.